The Winslow Boy

Review by Nonia Bidness

A Little Disappointing

Pros: good cast
Cons: slow and unsuspenseful

Well, I will recommend this one, but weakly. I think it could have been a lot better, and was expecting more from David Mamet, after The Spanish Prisoner.

There was no real mystery involved in this one, though a lot of attention was paid to details that turned out not to matter much (cigarette smoking, for instance). There was little suspense, as by the time the guilt or innocence of the boy was decided, hardly anyone cared.

It turned out that the interaction between the boy's older sister and his defense attorney was what was most important, and then that was left a little too vaguely hanging at the end.

Of course, the acting was good, and it was well filmed. Perhaps I would have enjoyed it more if my expectations had not been so very high. Also being unfamiliar with British culture, politics and language, there were a few times I had to rewind to get the point (good thing it was a video!).

Not unpleasant at all, just on the slow side.

Video Occasion: Better than watching TV
Recommends to friends? Yes

Nonia Bidness March 13^th, 2000